Sunday, April 26, marks the 100th anniversary of New Glarus author, playwright, professor, and world traveler, born on the family farm, 1.5 miles east of New Glarus.

Kubly holds the distinction of being the first Wisconsin writer to win the National Book Award, in 1956, for his first book, American in Italy. This award was presented to him by his good friend, then Senator John F. Kennedy.

Kubly was the first of his family to attend college, graduating from UW-Madison. While at UW-Madison he studied under Helen C. White, for whom a major library on campus is named.

After graduation, Kubly...